Born in 1942 to an artistic family, Tony Hunt, Sr. was destined to contribute to the success of the modern generation of Northwest Coast art, as had other members of the family. His training began with his maternal grandfather, Chief Mungo Martin (1879-1962), who ensured that Hunt Sr. was taught the traditional ways to uphold his people’s culture in language, dance, iconography and the practice of the potlatch. Hunt Sr. would later apprentice with his own father, Henry Hunt (1923-1985), and take on the position of First Carver for Thunderbird Park at the Royal British Columbia Museum, a position created for his grandfather which had also passed on to his father and brother Richard Hunt (1951- ) (see this sale, lot 64, KwA-Gulth Frog) previously. A constant educator, he would carve numerous totem poles for cultural, national and international sites while at Thunderbird Park, and maintained a busy schedule as a hereditary chief that was active in his community. He was also a prolific painter and printmaker, creating many recognizable works on paper, including this one. Based on an original painting (which can be found in the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria’s permanent collection, 1971.074.001), we are treated to a familiar sight of mirrored birds, with wings spread, beaks agape and talons out.